WHAT: After receiving nearly 200 submissions from armchair inventors, average boaters and students from as far away as China and Australia, the BoatU.S. Foundation for Boating Safety and the Personal Floatation Device Manufacturers Association will announce the winner of their Life Jacket Design Competition at the NMMA State of the Industry Media Breakfast at the Miami International Boat Show. The winner will receive a $5,000 prize.

WHEN: Thursday, February 16, 2006; presentation begins at 8:00am.

WHERE: Miami Beach Convention Center, 1901 Convention Center Dr., Miami Beach, FL, 33139; meeting room #204/205 (Hall A)

WHY: The goal of the nearly year-long competition was to encourage and solicit innovative ideas and new technology to design a life jacket that the majority of average boaters might wear. Competition criteria included wearability (or comfort); reliability; cost; and innovation. Specifically, design competition submissions did not need to adhere to any of the established life jacket design regulations. Come see what a life saving device would look like if there were no “rules.”

RSVP: Please RSVP to Thorp & Co., 305-446-2700.

NOTE: Downloadable images of the winning entry and honorable mentions as well as a press release will be available after 12:00 noon on Wednesday, February 15 at http://www.BoatUS.com/Foundation/lifejacketdesign